The Flatshare Book Review- It Takes Some Time

Unspoilery Blurb

When Tiffy needs a cheap place to stay after escaping from her previous relationship, she finds an add for a flatshare. She’ll take the flat during the evening, and her roommate, Leon, will have the place during the day. The two will share everything- even a bed, but never meet. However, living in the same place allows them to form a relationship via notes and dishes that they would never have expected.

Unspoilery Review

The Flatshare. Well that was something! I have to admit that it took me a few chapters to get into this book, and I almost put it down. The beginning just didn’t capture me. I enjoyed the idea of sharing a flat and a bed, but I did not care for the characters yet, and Leon’s chapters seemed super boring and disjointed to me. But, I knew that many people had read and enjoyed this book, so I kept at it- and I am so glad that I did! This story was phenomenal! The beginning had such a simple, light-hearted tone that I was not prepared to be fully immersed in the struggles these characters faced.

This book had amazing character development, and the writing style was gorgeous. The plot was creative, and it was a very sweet and powerful story. I am so glad that I read this book, and I highly recommend it. This book is and adult contemporary novel, so it discusses relationships- both healthy and abusive-, sexual relations, and family issues. The story was not overly explicit, but it I would warn anyone sensitive about the topic of emotional abuse to be wary of reading this book. It was stunningly and sensitively written, but that issue is a central theme of the story.

Tiffy is an amazing character full of hope, joy, and spunk, and I loved going on her journey of self-discovery with her. Leon is also an adorable character whose support and friendship make the novel the amazing story that it is. I hope that this persuaded you to pick up this fun book full of witty dialogue, close friendships, sweet characters, and everything else you could want in a contemporary novel!

Spoilery Section:

This book was adorable! I loved the idea of the flat share. I could not imagine moving into someone’s house who I’ve never met- and who I’m not really planning on meeting. As soon as all of Tiffy’s stuff was moved into the apartment, I knew that Leon was about to get a shock. It was all perfect, and I really want to sit in their beanbag chair!

I knew that Leon’s girlfriend had to go. She wasn’t mean or rude or anything, she was just in the way of the love story that I wanted to read. However, I was definitely not as against her as I was against Justin. I have absolutely nothing nice to say about that jerky idiot. Oh my gosh! He even tried to force her to say yes to his spontaneous and completely uncalled for proposal, and she didn’t even give in! She stayed strong and I was so proud of her. Well, he still claimed that she said yes like the arse that he is. He was a piece of something, and I cannot believe how much he hurt Tiffy. Well I can believe it, and I think that it is an amazing issue to write about in a novel because there are people in these kind of emotionally abusive relationships all over the world, and I hope that this book can be some reassurance and peace to people in these situations. You are loved, and you do not need them to support you. You are amazing how you are, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It is amazing how the brain will block out painful memories to protect itself, and Tiffy did not even realize how unhealthy her relationship was until she got out of it. This book dealt with this topic in an amazing way, and I am proud of Tiffy for standing up for herself, opening up to her friends for support, and agreeing to see a psychiatrist to help her begin to work through some issues.

Leon and Tiffy’s dialogue was so sweet, and I was so happy when they started interacting more! Their sticky-note ridden house was hilarious to picture, and I love this concept! When they first met each other in the bathroom, I died. So perfect and amusing! I can’t believe how long it took them to admit that they had feelings for one another, but I also feel like Tiffy definitely needed the time to get out of her relationship with Justin.

I also adored the piece of the story about Ricky. This gave Leon’s character much more depth, and I really enjoyed Ricky’s constant support of Tiffy and Leon becoming a couple. He is a great brother, and I am so happy that they were able to prove his innocence so he could finally get out of prison!

Ok, this is getting long, so I’m just going to bullet point some of my favorite parts…:

• The trip to the castle. So sweet!
• All of Holly’s interactions with Leon and Tiffy. She shipped them so hard, and she was the most amazing patient!
• The amazingly sweet and considerate proposal at the end and how nervous Leon was about it all. Awww!
• When Leon climbed up the side of the building to get to Tiffy. Hehehe
• Just Rachel’s overall character. Totally comedic. I want a friend like her!
• Mo and Gerty getting together. It just made me laugh!

Alright, well there are some of my many thoughts about The Flatshare!

Have you read this book? Are you going to? What did you think? Let me know!

Happy Reading!